For anyone in any position of leadership this is vital and I would be prepared to go as far as to say “essential”. Leadership is not easy. It never has been. You are out ahead of others and it is possible to feel isolated, although a wise leader will always have trusted loyal dependable friends and colleagues around him. Leaders face an array of emotions as life throws at them a whole raft of experiences. What can a person do? There are many varied answers and solutions these days, but some of them only theoretical lasting only as short season, if at all. Leaders need something more than ideas and programmes. Those involved in spiritual leadership need the finest and best and the finest and best is provided. Let me explain simply. It is said that Jesus Christ knows how we are feeling. How can that possibly be true? Well, we know that because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted. Jesus knew what it was like to be poor. If you are financially strapped Jesus Christ understands. He knew what it was to have to borrow a coin to illustrate an important lesson. Jesus knew the problems of having to lead and train others. He saw Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s station and said, “Follow me”. Tax-collectors were not among the most popular people at that time. As Matthew took in money for the foreign Roman occupiers most would keep their distance from him. Jesus did the opposite. If you are a leader and are responsible for others, Jesus Christ understands your situation. He recruited Simon the nationalist zealot who hated the Romans, and Matthew who worked for them. At one stage Jesus sent out over seventy men, assuming the responsibility for their workmanship. The risen living Lord Jesus Christ understands the positions leaders are in and He is more than willing to help, guide and direct. It is all there, and so freely available, if only people would ask. Surely it is not too difficult to ask. A leader worth his salt will not be too proud to ask for help. If you are experiencing family tension, because of your faith, Jesus Christ understands. When His family learned of what He saying and doing, they came to take Him home thinking He was mad and crazy. Jesus taught, “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” If you have been falsely accused, Jesus Christ understands. The night before He was crucified the religious leaders looked for false evidence in order to put Him to death. No matter what the circumstances are Jesus Christ has an answer and a solution and a remedy. Whatever situation you are facing the risen and living Lord Jesus Christ understands, and is able to come alongside to help, comfort and strengthen. He has been there. That is why He knows the help we each need - no matter who we are - and the help is so practical, relevant and effective. Sandy Shaw Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children’s Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu. He broadcasts regularly on WSHO radio out of New Orleans, and writes a weekly commentary at http://www.studylight.org entitled “Word from Scotland” on various biblical themes, as well as a weekly newspaper column. His M.A. and B.D. degrees are from The University of Edinburgh, and he continues to run and exercise regularly to maintain a level of physical fitness. Sandy Shaw Tags: Emotions, Isolation, Leadership, Spiritual Related PostsPost a comment
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